Hi, I’m Shannon Meadows, a planner with 20 years’ experience in government and private practice — including senior roles in local government.
Based in Bendigo, I provide outcomes-focused statutory planning support to councils across Victoria—delivering reliable, clear, and practical solutions tailored to your priorities.
I combine the efficiency and reliability of a skilled report writer with the insight and initiative of a senior planner—helping ease pressure on your team and keep complex files moving.
I’m currently available for consulting engagements.
The Challenge you face
Managing a complex planning workload with limited resources is an ongoing challenge for Victorian councils. Deadlines loom, backlogs grow. And recruitment isn’t keeping up.
Your planners are already stretched. Bringing in help should ease the pressure - but too often, it just creates more work.
How We Help
Approval Partners provides senior-level statutory planning support that integrates seamlessly with your team. We’re fast, responsive, and remote-ready - delivering results without the need for handholding.
Led by a former council planning manager, we understand your internal systems and expectations from day one. Whether stepping into an existing file or managing a project from start to finish, we help you reduce backlogs, meet deadlines, and deliver planning outcomes with minimal fuss.
What you can expect:
Deep knowledge of local government planning systems and processes
Clear, concise advice focused on practical outcomes
Friendly, trusted support valued by multiple councils
Responsive, no-fuss communication and delivery
Fast turnaround times tailored to your project needs
Reliable assistance that lifts pressure off your team
Flexible approach that integrates seamlessly with your existing workflows
Recent work examples
Taking over stalled permit applications, identifying and resolving process issues, and preparing delegate reports and permits
Reviewing legacy files and providing clear, practical advice to managers, coordinators, and principal planners on priority actions to enable timely determination
Drafting Council reports on complicated and contested statutory planning matters - for both approval and refusal
Peer reviewing draft permit conditions, certificates of compliance, and other technical documents
What our clients are saying:
“Approval Partners made a real difference to our team. Complex, stalled files were picked up quickly, the work was high quality, and everything progressed without fuss. The responsiveness and reliability gave us real peace of mind — it took pressure off and helped us get things moving again.”
— Statutory Planning Coordinator, regional Victoria
“I can’t tell you how appreciative I am of your work. You are super responsive and just get it done. It’s made the world of difference knowing these projects are being handled so well.”
— Planning Manager, regional Victoria
